One Dead and One Arrested After Vehicle Collides with Lawnmower in Late Night Crash on LA 105, Impairment Suspected

Louisiana – On July 10, 2022, Louisiana State Police reported that on Saturday, July 9, 2022, just after 11:00 p.m., Troopers assigned to LSP Troop E began investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash. According to reports, the crash happened on LA Hwy 105, just south of Begnaud Road near Simmesport, Louisiana, and claimed the life of 62-year-old Blaine Lemoine.

The initial investigation revealed that Lemoine was driving a Husqvarna lawn mower north on LA Hwy 105. At the same time, a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Hunter Moreau, 24, of Melville, Louisiana, was following the Husqvarna. Moreau reportedly struck the rear of the lawn mower, causing Lemoine to be ejected. The Avoyelles Parish Coroner pronounced Lemoine dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Moreau was reportedly not restrained, but suffered no injuries in the crash.

Louisiana State Police indicated that after a thorough investigation, Moreau was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, DWI 1st offense, and no seat belt. Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.

The crash remains under investigation.

Troopers would like to remind all motorists to make good decisions while driving, such as wearing a seat belt, obeying all posted speed limits, and avoiding all distractions. Furthermore, drivers must be reminded that alcohol and other drugs have a variety of effects on the body. Alcohol and other drugs can impair vision, alter one’s sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills required to drive a car, and shorten reaction times.

Troop E have investigated 19 fatal crashes so far in 2022, resulting in 20 deaths.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.